The Sims 5 is rumored to be free-to-play at launch

The Sims 5 is rumored to be free-to-play at launch, following a new job listing.

With Project Rene a working title, the next major entry in the life-simulation series is currently in development — and it looks like fans can start playing for free once it’s released.

EA is advertising for a Head of Monetization and Marketplace for Project Rene (via @TheHenfordHen on Twitter), and an interesting detail in the list is that Project Rene is described as a “free-to-enter game”.

Related: Sims 4 reveals winners of Kits community vote

It lines up in the comments already Giant Bomb Journalist and industry insider Jeff Grubb did in September, where he said that The Sims 5 may be a live-service game.

“I think they’re ready to change how they approach their big number sequels going forward with that The Sims,” he said at the time.

Digital Spy has reached out to EA for comment.

A free-to-play strategy would match the current strategy for The Sims 4, after it made its base game free to all players in October. For The Sims 4 (which established a large player base), revenue is generated through its paid content, from full expansions to smaller Kits.

The Sims 3in addition to the expansions, there was a separate store where players could spend money to buy a range of exclusive individual items, including hair styles, clothing, and worlds.

Elsewhere, fans of the franchise received an update on how The Sims 5Progress is progressing on this week’s Behind The Sims stream.

The team shared that they are working on several prototypes, including for lighting, animation, hair styles, and simulation.

They also presented a prototype of an open neighborhood, with multiple Sims existing in an outdoor environment and going about their daily lives.

A lot can change between now and the game’s final release, but the Behind The Sims stream provided insight into the current vision and goals for the project.